Presented in Phoenix, Arizona annually since 1977, the Hon Kachina Volunteer Awards program is designed to both recognize the achievement of outstanding Arizona volunteers and to increase public awareness about volunteerism.

The Hon – or healing – Kachina Volunteer Awards program was originally conceived and presented by the Hon Kachina Council to honor people making significant volunteer contributions to the healthcare field. This program is an extension of the rich heritage of volunteerism provided by St. Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix for nearly 100 years.

Arizona Cardinals NFL Community Quarterback Award

Caitlin Longstreth, age 16, was chosen as one of three finalists in December 2006. This award recognizes active community volunteers who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a commitment to improving the communities in which they live. As a result of Caitlin's work, Stepping Stones of Hope received $5,000 in her name.

Caitlin meets Kurt Warner

Photo opportunity with the two other finalists

A big hug from Luis Zendejas, Director Community Relations

Catilin and Lisa Weyer, executive director, receive check on the field

Sister Teresa McIntier Award for Excellence

In June 2006, Dr. Charles Finch, Camp Paz for Kids founder and member of Stepping Stones of Hope Board of Directors, was honored with the coveted Sister Teresa McIntier Award for Excellence from Compassionate Care of Arizona. Dr. Finch is the 3rd individual to receive this award. Sister McIntier was honored with the first award in 2004, and then Eloise Cole in 2005. He is indeed part of an esteemed group!

ONE - Organization for Non-Profit Executives

In December of 2005, Lisa Weyer, Executive Director to 2008, was honored with the ONE Award for Non-Profit Executive Director of the Year in the Small program category - budget less than $500,000. Other honorees include Stephanie Small, Executive Director, Free Arts of Arizona, Medium program category ~ budget less than $2 million, and Susan Levine, Executive Director, Hospice of the Valley, Large program category ~ budget more than $2 million.

Phoenix Business Journal Health Care Heroes

In August of 2005, Lisa Weyer, executive director to 2008, was honored with a Health Care Heroes award in the non-physician category. The award was designed to honor individuals that have gone above and beyond and set the bar for their profession. Also honored in their respective categories were: Dr. Robert Kravetz of Phoenix Baptist Hospital, Dr. John Molina of Las Fuentes Health Clinic, Dr. Gregory Pafford of the Boys & Girls Club Dave Pratt Dental Clinic, Marge Ebeling of the WellCare Foundation, Thomas Hamm, Ph.D. of Barrow Neurological Institute, Sharon Brooks of Paradise Valley Hospital, John Fear of the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ross J. Kosinski, Ph.D. of Midwestern University, and Dr. Edward Donahue of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.

Kids Day America/International Organization Award

In September of 2004, Dr. Charles Finch was presented an award from Kids Day America/International Organization. The award is given for outstanding commitment and dedication to the children in our community. Dr. Finch was honored alongside a Phoenix City Councilmen and a community missionary. Congratulations Dr. Finch!

Congregation Beth Israel's Annual Humanitarian Award for 2003

Stepping Stones of Hope was chosen because of the work we do in the community, caring about children who are experiencing difficult situations.

Humanitarian Award for 2002 from the AOMA

Dr. Chip Finch was the recipient of the 2002 Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association's (AOMA) Humanitarian Award for his dedication and commitment to the community. This award honors a socially responsible AOMA member who has donated his/her time and efforts to improve mankind. Dr. Finch is the founder and Camp Director of Camp Paz, a non-profit bereavement camp for children who have experienced a death in his or her life.

2002 Frances Young Community Heroes Award of Merit

Dr. Finch was selected honoring his volunteer work in the community. This award is presented annually by the City of Scottsdale in collaboration with the Scottsdale Community Liaison Council. The Community Health Education and Outreach Services of Scottsdale Healthcare, nominated Dr. Finch for his work in speaking with school children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and steroids.

"His energetic personality and genuine care is felt by the children and teaches alike," stated the nomination. "....We are so thankful for his consistent and enthusiastic support for our services." The award was presented by none other than a past Camp Paz camper’s parent who spoke highly of Dr. Finch's work as founder and Camp Director of Camp Paz. She was grateful her son had an opportunity to attend a recent camp.

Camp Paz Year 2000 EMMY Award

Stepping Stones of Hope was honored with an EMMY Award for outstanding community service, provided to the children and families across the State of Arizona.

This award is based on Channel 3’s segment "Harrah for Arizona", which aired on television November 16th, 2000. This segment is a powerful story on how children deal with grief. It depicts what takes place at Camp Paz, what is offered to the children and families who attend.

As stated in the story, "Children who have experienced a death -- sometimes from illness, sometimes from violence -- can come to Camp Paz to share their feelings and fears with others who are experiencing the same emotions, and with counselors who help them work through those feelings." "Helping these children does wonders for their wounded hearts." "If they need to cry or vent their anger, there's somebody to hold them and comfort them, or to just listen."

Everyone at Stepping Stones of Hope was thrilled and honored to receive such an award. Thank you to KTVK Channel 3, Jana Bommersbach, and Scott Davis for their hard work and effort to make this possible.

I learned that we are all in different places and that it is OK to still be grieving." TA, adult camper, Camp Paz 2016

I learned that it’s okay to show true feelings and to never be afraid of how you feel." -AD, age 14, One Day at Camp 2013

I will learn to let things that I can’t change go and stop trying to fix them.” -KM, 16, a teen at REACH camp

Hearing others tell their stories. I know I am not alone."
-KD, adult camper, One Day at Camp 2013

I can be sad and happy." ML, age 6, Camp Paz 2016

Remembering this experience will help a lot.” KA, age 11, Camp Paz 2016

A lot are experiencing the same thing so I am not alone in this.” - CV, 13, a teen at REACH camp

I have gotten feedback from several clients I sent to the program, and I don't know what you do but it was definitely miracle work." – J.C. from a referring agency

It’s alright to grieve, but I also have to LIVE.” - KC, 17, a teen at REACH camp

I learned that you will never forget your loved one" -ZC, age 10, One Day at Camp 2013

Grief can’t be pushed away - - eventually it will come back so try to deal with it today…one step at a time." -KE, adult camper, Journeys 2013

It is okay to feel grief." BK, age 14, Camp Paz 2016

Kids need to see that they're not alone. Camp is a safe place to move through the grieving process with kids their age and who have experienced the loss of a loved one too."
- Dr. Charles Finch, SSOH Founder

Out of all the processes we have tried, this was by far the most healing." - Mother of past camper

I learned that grief is just a feeling that we all have to deal with.” AM, age 10, Camp Paz 2016

The Journeys Retreat gave me peace and joy....for the first time in over 5 months. I woke up on Monday and I felt joy!" -L. J., Journeys camper

I learned that it’s an ongoing journey and I’m not the only one." - CM, 14, a teen at REACH camp